Thanasi Kokkinakis defeated Austria’s Dominic Thiem in two sets in the final round of the 2024 Madrid Open qualifiers to secure a spot in the main draw.
According to tennis-infinity, Thiem had been battling for weeks and narrowly missed losing his latest match. Only a late effort by the Austrian assured that he had a chance to face Kokkinakis in this encounter.
Thanasi Kokkinakis beats Dominic Thiem 6-1, 6-3 to reach the Madrid main draw. Won the last seven points since facing a break point at 4-3…
Athens and southern parts of Greece were again enveloped in Saharan dust on Tuesday, with hues of yellow and orange filling the skies with an otherworldly atmosphere.
Heavy concentrations of dust particles appeared to have affected many people who suffer from respiratory conditions due to the “degradation of air quality,” as pointed out by the Hellenic Pulmonary Society.
Skies are predicted to clear on Wednesday as winds shift and move the dust, with temperatures dipping. Photo: Ekathimerini.
According Ekathimerini, on Tuesday, the daily high in parts of the southern island of Crete topped 30 degrees Celsius, more than 20 degrees higher than what was registered in much of northern Greece.
Greece’s fire department said Tuesday evening that 25 wildfires had broken out around the country in the last 24 hours. On Monday, three people were detained on the Aegean Sea tourist island of Paros on suspicion of accidently igniting a scrub burning, with no major damage or casualties recorded.
Skies are predicted to clear on Wednesday as winds shift and move the dust, with temperatures dipping.
Composer Mikis Theodorakis’ stirring musical oratorio “Axion Esti” to lyrics by Nobel Prize-winning poet Odysseus Elytis will be presented in Australia in three upcoming concerts, in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
The recital will be an amazing collaboration between the international singer Dimitris Basis, the famous Greek Australian conductor, George Ellis, the cantor George Karantonis, the producer-conductor of the Greek band, George Doukas, as well as a 30-person choir under the captivating narration of the Greek Australian actor, Tony Nikolakopoulos.
Starting in Sydney, Australian audiences will have the opportunity to enjoy the first of the scheduled concerts at the City Recital Hall on Saturday, 11 May 2024 at 8.00pm. The second concert will take place at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Saturday, 1 June 2024 at 8.00pm and the third and final presentation of Axion Esti will conclude with the concert at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) in Brisbane on Wednesday, 5 June 2024 at 7.00pm
The following renowned artists will participate in the above concerts:
Vocalist Dimitris Basis
Director and Conductor George Ellis
Greek Band Production Manager George Doukas
Cantor George Karantonis
Narrator Tony Nikolakopoulos
30-piece Choir
Dimitris Basis is a Greek artist, gained recognition for his musical performances in collaboration with Alkistis Protopsalti, Stamatis Kraounakis, and Lina Nikolakopoulou for three consecutive seasons. His professional debut included participation in Stamatis Kraounakis’ works and the soundtrack of the TV series “To Trito Stefani.” In 1997, he released his first album, “Me tin Fora tou Anemou.” The winter of 1998–99 marked his collaboration with Haris Alexiou, and he embarked on a series of concerts with Yiannis Kotsiras. In 2001, Basis collaborated with Mikis Theodorakis, revising and performing “To Tragoudi tou Nekrou Adelfou.” The following years featured significant performances, including a dedication to poet Yiannis Ritsos and appearances with Dimitris Mitropanos and Themis Adamantidis. His contributions to celebrations honoring Mikis Theodorakis in 2005 showcased his enduring impact on the Greek music scene.
George Ellis is an orchestral conductor, composer and arranger based in Sydney. His extensive academic training in conducting, composition and arranging and a wide range of experience has enabled Ellis to develop the unique talent essential for sensitively traversing a broad range of musical genres. He conducted the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Millennium Choir at the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000 and was Musical Director and Conductor for the Athens Olympics. He has presented concerts conducting in Paris, London, Amsterdam, Brussels, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Athens, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta and performed in every capital city in Australia.
George Doukas has been a feature of the world music scene in Sydney for many years. In addition to touring with overseas artists, and performing regularly, George is always doing innovative projects, with his collaboration with the Hunters Hill Symphony orchestra and conductor George Ellis being the highlight of the Greek Festival calendar back in 2014. As a result of this performance the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW and its Greek Festival have developed a relationship with the Sydney Recital Hall and every year the Festival produces an orchestral production of the works of famous Greek composers such as Theodorakis, Hadjidakis etc.
George Karantonis is a highly acclaimed and esteemed singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist who first rose to prominence in his teens. Predominantly a self-taught musician, George captivated Greece with his music as the front man of Moda Blue, a beloved band among Greek Australians. George has lectured in musical composition at Forte School of Music, written songs for various artists, and composed music for the poetry of the late Archbishop of Australia, His Eminence Stylianos. His performances with the Millennium Heritage Choir at the Sydney Olympic Games and as a soloist at the Sydney Paralympic Games have solidified his reputation as a versatile and accomplished musician. Today, George continues to perform for a broad audience with his diverse range of musical genres, seamlessly moving between rock, jazz, classical, byzantium, Greek, and pop music with unparalleled passion.
Tony Nikolakopoulos is a Greek Australian film, television and theatre actor. He is best known for his work in the films of Nick Giannopoulos (The Wog Boy and The Wannabes) and for his role as Attilio in the television series Scooter: Secret Agent. He has also performed in Underbelly and stage plays, including Cafe Rebetika in 2009.
1st Event Details:
WHAT:Axion Esti (‘Worthy It Is’)
Presented by the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW and the City Recital Hall
WHEN: Saturday 11 May 2024, 8pm
WHERE: City Recital Hall, 2 Angel Pl, Sydney NSW 2000
The workshop provided children 7 years old and under with the opportunity to unleash their creativity, decorating ‘lambathes’ and enjoy a range of other craft activities offered on the day.
From 10.30am-12.30pm, light refreshments were also available for purchase at the bar for all those in attendance.
The GOCSA community thanked everyone who joined in via Facebook, encouraging more families to join in and even submit photos for the chance for their child to feature in the next edition of the “Community Pulse”.
In his exclusive interview with The Greek Herald, Consul General of Greece in Adelaide and the Dean of the Consular Corps of South Australia, George Psiachas unpacks and details an array of core civic responsibilities vital to the Hellenic diaspora — especially with the upcoming European elections.
This comprehensive guide is separated into three areas: the registration and voting process for Greek citizens for the upcoming European elections, the particulars of obtaining Greek citizenship, and the Greek identity cards (which have recently undergone a digital transformation).
Greeks of diaspora will be able to vote on May 20. Photo: osce.
Registration and postal voting process
Below are the answers to questions regarding the postal voting process of Greeks for the upcoming European Parliament elections, aimed to clarify the entire postal voting process to ensure Greek citizens abroad are well-informed:
What are the eligibility criteria for Greek citizens to vote by postal vote?
All citizens of Greece registered in the Greek electoral rolls, residing in Australia, may vote by postal vote in the next elections for the European Parliament.
How can Greek citizens register for postal voting for the European Parliament elections via the epistoliki.ypes.gov.gr platform:
To register online you will need your:
Greek TaxisNet codes, or
valid Greek passport number and Greek ID number or municipality registration number.
If you don’t have Greek TaxisNet codes nor a valid Greek passport, you can register at the Greek Consulate-General with any Greek identification document (such as Tax File Number (ΑΦΜ), identity card, passport, or driver’s license, even if it is old or expired).
NOTE: Bring your mobile phone with you when visiting the Greek Consulate-General as it will be required to receive your One Time Password (OTP) code.
You will have to fill in information such as contact details, residential address and the address to which you wish the electoral material to be sent.
After registration, you will receive an envelope by post with the electoral material, including detailed instructions. You must send it back to Greece as soon as possible, so that it is received by June 8, 17.00 pm Greek time. The shipping address will be pre-filled.
The new electoral law obliges the parties of Greece to include Greeks from abroad in the national ballots.
Can you confirm that the final date for registering to vote is 29 April 2024?
Yes, indeed, the deadline for registering to vote is 29 April, 2024.
Is there any other relevant information in relation to the postal voting system?
For more information, you may call the Greek helpline +30 210 626 6222, which is available 24/7.
More than 114,200 voters have registered for mail-in balloting in the June 9 European Parliament elections. Photo: Prime Minister Press Office.
Commencing the journey to citizenship
Below are the answers to questions regarding the process of acquiring Greek citizenship and the particulars of that process:
Can you provide a walkthrough of the process for applying for Greek citizenship from Australia, highlighting any steps specific to Australian applicants?
A person acquires Greek Nationality at the time of birth, if he/she is born to a parent(s) of Greek Nationality.
A Greek citizen is a person who is duly registered in the Records of a Municipality of the Hellenic Republic.
Registration in the Municipal Records of the Hellenic Republic is the legal proof for Greek Citizenship. As such, the Certificate of Registration constitutes legal proof of Greek Citizenship. In order to obtain the Certificate of Registration, Greek citizens, permanently residing in Australia, apply through the local Greek Consular Authorities, which in turn transmit the application to the competent Greek (Municipal) Authorities, who issue the Certificate of Registration. Both the registration of the parents’ marriage, as well as the registration of the applicant’s birth, are prerequisites for the issuance of the Certificate of Registration.
For more information on the right to Greek Citizenship and the exercise of this right, please contact your nearest Greek Consulate in Australia. The Greek Consulates and the Embassy’s Consular Office in Australia will apply the relevant Greek legislative provisions to your specific case and provide explanation as to the existence of prerequisites for Greek Citizenship and requisite procedure for the exercise of this right. In all instances, it is not the Consulates that ascertain citizenship, as this falls within the jurisdiction of the Decentralized Administrations in Greece and the Greek Ministry of Interior.
For optimum service, contacting your nearest Greek Consular authority either electronically, via facsimile or by post is highly recommended. So is contacting the competent consular officer by telephone in order to set an appointment. Please always bring along all data and documents establishing your Greek origin.
Finally, it should be noted that, in accordance with Greek Law, Greek citizenship is an inherent right of persons born to a parent who is already a Greek citizen and as such, Greek Consular authorities do not “grant Greek citizenship”. Instead, through the provisions of Greek Law, and its stipulated procedures, they assist you to exercise the right to citizenship. An individual’s registration in the records of a Greek Municipality constitutes the recognition of his/her right to citizenship by the Greek State, and, therefore, the entitlement to a Greek Passport.
Greek Consul General George Psiachas (right) with the Premier of SA, Peter Malinauskas.
Naturalisation process
A foreign national may become a Greek citizen by naturalisation in the following cases:
Foreign nationals of Greek origin may claim Greek citizenship through a grandparent.
Foreign nationals who are not of Greek origin.
For more information on these rights, please contact your nearest Greek Consulate in Australia.
What is the estimated processing time for Greek citizenship applications submitted from Australia?
The estimated processing time for Greek citizenship applications submitted from Australia depends on the applicant’s special and personal circumstances and varies according to the process which will be followed. An estimated timeframe may be given to you – though it cannot be binding, since it also depends on the workload of the authorities involved, as well as the backlog of similar cases prioritised to be processed at the time of applying.
Identity cards and their new digital format:
Below are the answers to questions regarding the new identity cards introduced in Greece:
Can you provide an overview of the new digital identity card introduced in Greece, and how it differs from the traditional identity card?
According to EU legislation, identity cards issued by Member States must meet upgraded security standards and new specifications, which the old Greek identity cards do not have. Identity cards issued by EU Member States must: be produced in ID-1 format; contain a machine-readable zone (MRZ); and be based on the specifications and minimum-security standards set out by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Identity cards which do not meet the minimum-security standards set out by ICAO or which do not include a functional MRZ, will cease to be valid at their expiry or by 3 August 2026, whichever comes earlier.
The old Greek identity card, issued in the form we have known since 1961, has now been succeeded with the issuance of one of the most modern identity cards, with state-of-the-art security features. These are necessary to verify if a document is authentic and to securely establish the identity of a person. The establishment of minimum-security standards and the integration of biometric data in identity cards are important steps in rendering their use in the Union more secure.
Greece has taken the next step with the issuance of one of the most modern identity cards which incorporate the following modern security features:
machine-readable zone (MRZ);
replacement of material (from paper to polycarbonate) and is of credit card type ID1 format;
new colour printing technology through laser engraving;
all elements and colour photography are printed on the inner layer, making any attempt at forgery impossible;
an electronic storage medium, which operates contactless for the purpose of reliable and unbreakable connection with the owner. The electronic storage medium shall include:
Holder’s photo in digital format
Machine-readable zone elements
Two fingerprints
Father’s surname
Mother’s surname
Municipality of registration and population register number
the materials are manufactured exclusively for our country and the personalization and printing can only be carried out by the modern and upgraded system of the Hellenic Police.
The above security mechanisms, in short, ensure that the new identity card of Greek citizens cannot be forged, and the data contained therein cannot be intercepted.
How can the digital identity card be used, both within Greece and in the EU? Can they be used for all purposes, such as banking, healthcare, and government services?
Greek citizens can download and use the new app available at Gov.gr Wallet which allows them to install an electronic version of their identification cards and driving licenses on their mobile phones.
The new official application of the Hellenic Republic is available for creating, storing and verifying the authenticity of digital copies of the identity card and driving license on your mobile phone.
The digital copies have exactly the same validity as paper certificates within Greece, but are not valid for international travel. This way, you can now use your mobile phone for any transaction within Greece, just as you used your identification card and your driving license until now. Furthermore, the application allows you to sign digital documents even more easily, quickly and more securely through docs.gov.gr.
Gov.gr Wallet is already available in iOS and Android app stores. Alternatively, you can download the application at wallet.gov.gr.
To use the Gov.gr Wallet application you will need:
either your personal Taxisnet credentials and a verified mobile phone number; or
your personal web banking codes.
The mobile phone number is authenticated exclusively in one of the following ways: by signing up to the National Communication Register (EMEP), or by logging in once with your internet banking credentials
What steps must current holders of a Greek identity card take to transition to the new digital format?
The issuing of the new type of identity cards for Greek citizens is carried out exclusively by the Hellenic National Passport and Secure Document Center / Α.Ε.Α. As of 25 September 2023, Greek citizens may visit a Police Station in Greece, by appointment and proceed with the process of applying for the new identity card.
The total time required, from the date of application at the Police Station until the receipt of the identity card by the citizen is approximately 7 working days.
The period of validity from the date of issue is 10 years, as is the case with the current identity cards.
For the issuing of a new identity card, an electronic government fee of €10.00 is paid.
The Armenian, Assyrian and Hellenic communities once again joined their voices to demand Federal parliamentary recognition of the genocides of their ancestors on Sunday, 21 April 2024.
The March for Justice from Martin Place to St Andrew’s Square (beside Sydney Town Hall) attracted many hundreds of Australians of diverse backgrounds in passionate support of this just cause.
United by the Joint Justice Initiative banner, the head advocacy groups of the Armenian, Assyrian and Hellenic communities led the March, sending their message to Canberra ahead of receiving the Prime Minister’s statement – that nothing less than full and proper acknowledgement of the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides as genocides will be acceptable to the three communities.
A poignant moment of the March was at the Armenian khatchkar (carved memorial stone) which stands on the west side of St Mary’s Roman Catholic Cathedral in Sydney. Young Armenians, Assyrians and Hellenes laid three wreaths on behalf of each community, bearing ribbons stating: ‘We remember them.’
The Hellenic contingent was led by Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia President Mrs Esta Paschalidis-Chilas and members of Pontoxeniteas NSW.
This year’s catch-cry – End The Cycle of Genocide – has been adopted by the March For Justice organising committee to call for truth and justice for the killing of over three million indigenous Armenians, Assyrians and Hellenes of the lands east of the Aegean Sea between 1914 and 1924.
The ‘Cycle of Genocide’ continues with the recent ethnic cleansing of Artsakh, the 50th Anniversary of the invasion and partial occupation of the Republic of Cyprus and the ongoing attacks against the Assyrian Nineveh province of Iraq.
On Wednesday, 24 April the annual Armenian Genocide Commemoration will be held at the Chatswood Concourse.
On Sunday, 19 May, the annual Greek Genocide Commemoration will be held at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, Cleveland Street, Redfern, following the Divine Liturgy.
Last year’s winners of The Block, Steph and Gian Ottavio, have sold their renovated home in Sydney’s Bexley for $1,825,000.
The renovated Federation-style property, which includes a contemporary expansion, was listed five weeks ago with a $1.7 million price tag. It sold after private treaty negotiations with McGrath agent Trent Tarbey following its auction in early April.
According to realestate.com, the couple’s 2020 purchase of the then-two-bedroom, one-bathroom house on its 348sq m block followed nearly two years of house hunting.
The building work took seven months all up to complete in 2021, and the plan included converting the living and dining rooms into a master bedroom with an ensuite.
Steph and Gian moved into the home in early 2022 shortly ahead of their April wedding. The couple pocketed a life-changing $1.75m last year after selling a $5m Hampton East house, which was the highest ever prizemoney in the show’s 19 seasons.
According to PropTrack, the median house price in Bexley currently sits at $1.59m, up 7.1 per cent over the past 12 months.
A start-up backed by sports stars Nick Kyrgios, Steve Smith and Naomi Osaka has lost a co-founder and several staff, now being written down to $0 by its largest investor.
According to the Australian Financial Review, the start-up, “One Future Football”, is based on the popular “fantasy football” leagues that fans create based on real soccer competitions.
Founded last year, the business does not rely on gambling, but on selling merchandise, commercial partnerships, and “player cards.”
Nick Kyrgios (left) and Naomi Osaka (right). Photo: People.com. One Future Football founders Rohit Bhargava (left) and Peter Davis. Photo: The Sydney Morning Herald.
The company laid off staff and co-founder Rohit Bhargava who chose to focus on his podcast and investing, having a negative impact on the growth of the start-up.
Industry sources, who spoke anonymously to preserve relationships, said Blackbird Ventures, which led One Future Football’s $3 million seed round last year, had recently valued its stake as $0.
A Blackbird spokeswoman declined to comment directly on the valuation but said the start-up was “at the beginning of its journey” and had “many fresh ideas around how fans engage with sport.”
One Future Football, now led solo by co-founder Peter Davis, did not respond to requests for comment. Kyrgios, Smith and Osaka’s representatives were contacted for comment.
Greece’s Interior Ministry has revealed that more than 114,200 voters have registered for mail-in balloting in the European Parliament elections set for June 9, exceeding the turnout from abroad last year.
Over 33,350 registered voters reside outside of Greece, with the majority located in Europe. From Oceania, which includes Australia, only 614 Greeks have registered to vote.
Everything you need to know ahead of the election. Photo: limenikanea.gr.
According to Ekathimerini, this election marks the first time all Greek expatriates, regardless of their residence, can participate without any limitations or restrictions.
Citizens aged 41-60 make up the majority of registrants (39.6%). Younger and older populations are also highly engaged, indicating a general interest in postal voting across generations.
How to register to vote:
Which electoral process does it concern? European elections, June 9th
How do I register? Either with your TaxisNet codes or with a valid Greek passport number, combined withthe ID number / municipality registration number
I don’t have a valid passport or TaxiNet codes, how can I register? At any Greek Consulate, with any Greek identification document, identity card, passport or driver’s license, even if they are old / expired
What information should I fill in? Contact details, residential address and the address to which I wish the electoral material to be sent. No documents required!
I need more help. What can I do? Call +30 210 626 6222 – available 24/7
When will I receive the envelope with the electoral material? Within May, at the address already stated during the registration process. The envelope will contain detailed instructions.
Until when should I send it back to Greece? The envelope must be received by June 8, 17.00 pm Greek time. The shipping address is pre-filled.
The online registration platform at epistoliki.ypes.gov.gr will remain open until Monday, April 29. Participation is expected to increase even further as the platform enters its final week of operation.
Delegations from Greece and Turkey met in Athens on Monday as part of longstanding efforts to improve tense relations between the two countries, days after Turkey voiced objections over Greece’s plans to create marine nature reserves in the Ionian and Aegean seas.
According to AP News, Greece’s Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the recent improvement in relations between Greece and Turkey was “undeniable and measurable,” but that this did not mean Turkey had changed its position on the delineation of maritime zones in the Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after the their meeting in Athens in December. Photo: Dimitris Papamitsos/PM’s Press Office.
Speaking last week after a meeting of European leaders in Brussels, Mitsotakis expressed surprise at what he described as “Turkey’s totally unjustified reaction to an initiative which at the end of the day is of an environmental nature.”
“These positions remain positions which are deeply problematic for our country. But this does not prevent us from being able to talk, to create a general good climate and invest more in a positive agenda and less in the issues which divide us and over which we clearly disagree,” Mitsotakis said.
The Athens meeting comes ahead of planned talks in Ankara on May 13 between Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Mitsotakis.
